Lotus Type 125

Without ‘Imagineering’, Lotus would not be the consummate sports car specialist that it is. The Lotus Type 125 is an exclusive, ultra-high performance F1® inspired race-car, powered by a Cosworth 3.8 litre GP V8 engine that produces 640bhp and drives through a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox, with paddle shift.

Its chassis construction is of carbon composite with Nomex and an aluminium core, with carbon composite body panels contributing to its lightweight of 590kgs, the resultant power to weight ratio is greater than 1000bhp per tonne. Put into perspective, the Lotus Type 125 is as quick as a GP car of the late-1990s.

The Type 125 provides all the thrills of an F1 car, minus the pain. It is still very physical but it is intentionally easier to control and is gifted with a more accommodating cockpit. It is also exceptionally easy to maintain and there is no need to fund a crew of a dozen people to start it up and keep it running like a Formula One car. Instead, the Type 125 is started at the touch of a button.

The Type 125 undertook its final phase of development at the home of Lotus F1, at Enstone. Romain Grosjean put the Type 125 through its paces at Portugal’s Portimao circuit, as engineers honed the car’s characteristics and performance envelope to replicate those of the Formula One counterpart. At all times the aim was to keep it safe, approachable and thoroughly dependable for private customers.

As Romain explained: “The idea was to bring the car as close as possible to F1 level. Therefore, we needed a car that was close to the lap time of a Formula One, possessing high mechanical grip but that was also easy to drive. We achieved a strong level of performance and the right sensations but ensured that the Type 125 was neither too hard nor too much ‘on-the-limit’ to drive, aspects that are most important.”

The auto-clutch makes every start a fail-safe process. Shifting ratios soon becomes second nature with the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Yet, there is no lack of sensation and ‘seat-of-the-pants’ feel to the Type 125. It is built supremely well, to ensure that it will stand the test of time.

Purchasers of the Lotus T125 will be able to choose from an upgraded version of classic Lotus livery, the Exos concept design, or, as an option, bespoke livery. As a means to explore F1-style, to indulge in the thrills, the noise and the spectacle, the Type 125 embodies Lotus and involves you as a member of an exclusive club.

Testing at Yas Marina Circuit

The Lotus T125 put through its paces at Abu Dhabi circuit.

"It's just terrifying..."

BBC Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson gets a very hands-on induction when he tries out the new F1-style Lotus T125.